Peace in the Face of Mortality

 

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8 ESV).

 

I am often reminded of my mortality. Those reminders come from physical degeneration as well as the glaring truth in aging. Mary and I often talk about various topics surrounding our mortality. When you have lived over three-quarters of a century, facing the inevitability of death is not difficult. This is magnified with the news of our peers who have died. Death is much closer for us than not. That is an inescapable truth. The real question for us is whether we are at peace when we reflect on our own mortality.

 

Though our life with Christ will never end, we know that our journey on this earth is not going to last forever. One day we will stand in our Creator’s presence. In our reading today (cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8) the apostle Paul reflects on this important moment of his life. His thoughts about the end of his life on earth are filled with stirring emotion and striking imagery. He is honest with us in his sadness, just as he is strong in his Christian hope.

 

As Paul reflects on his years as an apostle of Christ, he uses language from the sports world. Paul says he has successfully finished the race and has observed all the rules—the teachings of Christ. He has kept the faith; and, now he is ready to accept his award—the crown of righteousness.

 

Throughout his ministry Paul has trusted in his Savior. He is doing the same now as he nears the end of his life on earth and looks forward to a new adventure in God’s ­presence. Only by God’s grace can we be faithful, credited with Jesus’ righteousness and crowned to live in his presence forever. Rest in that grace extended to you by your heavenly Father. Death no longer holds any power over us!